Provider Feature Interview with Melanie Fossinger
What do all those letters after your name mean?
As an NP (nurse practitioner) our credentials are complicated!
AGPCNP = adult/gero primary care nurse practitioner
WHNP = Women's Health nurse practitioner
BC = board certified
RN = registered nurse
MSN = masters of science in nursing
What brought you to health quest?
I am thrilled to become a member of the HealthQuest team. After working in Boston for many years, it has felt wonderful to be welcomed back to my home state of North Carolina. I have spent my career working with adolescents and young adults in different medical settings, and I am excited to focus more exclusively on mental health at HealthQuest. I have really enjoyed being able to closely collaborate with everyone on the HQ Team. This is such a unique group of talented, friendly, and creative people. Everyone here wants to make the client’s experience exceptional, and that is clear from the moment you step into our office.
What does innovation mean for you and your practice?
When COVID emerged, I was working in a large hospital and I saw first hand the need for fast, novel, and effective re-structuring of our healthcare systems to keep up with changing demands for care. During this time, telehealth became a new way for medical providers to reach patients in times when face-to-face visits were increasingly difficult to access. As the expansion of telehealth increased, we saw the many benefits to being able to provide care in this way. Today, I am proud to be able to use telehealth to reach clients across the state of NC who may otherwise not be able to visit me in-person.
What are some recent developments in your field that you are most excited about?
One of the most exciting parts of working in healthcare is the continual change and improvement of how we deliver care. As providers, it is our job to stay up to date on the latest research, ideas, and treatments, which keeps it interesting! There have been many recent developments in mental health care, in terms of new medications (like ketamine infusions), and practice modalities (like artificial intelligence). However, to me the most exciting new development is our push to de-stigmatize mental health. Fifty years ago patient advocates were only beginning to confront mental health stigma, whereas today you will commonly find celebrities openly discussing their mental health journeys. The shame, confusion, and isolation that comes with stigma is lifting. This means that more people are able to access treatment, talk about what they are going through, and be accepted for all aspects of who they are. We really couldn’t see the advancements that we do today if it wasn’t for the brave patient advocates who changed how we understand mental health.
What media (books, films, TV etc.) do find most inspirational?
I am often inspired by stories told from an unexpected perspective, non-fiction stories, and documentaries. I enjoy learning about people who grow into their own and inspire others to reach their full potential. Recently, I have been reading The Heart of the Buddha’s Teachings by Thich Nhat Hanh, which has been personally fulfilling.
What does good self-care look like for you?
Making self-care a priority has been hugely beneficial for me. The first step to self-care is to listen to what my mind and body needs in the moment, and then I make sure to give that to myself. At times I may need to do some gentle stretching or restorative exercises to bring more ease and relaxation to my body. At other times I find that a high energy cardio HIIT workout with my favorite music is what I need. Recently, I started a new ceramics hobby, which helps me focus and relax my mind, as well as open up a new avenue of creative expression.